Coccydynia is pain in the coccyx, which is more commonly known as the tailbone.
Causes
There is often no definite cause of coccydynia. Sometimes, an injury or trauma can point to the condition. Childbirth, disc degeneration (general wear and tear of the discs in the back) and sciatica (compression of one of sciatic nerve roots) can also be a direct cause of tailbone pain.
Symptoms
- A deep, aching feeling in the tailbone
- Pain that worsens while sitting, going from sitting to standing, or during bowel movements
The pain associated with coccydynia can stay constant or can come and go.
Treatments
If it is possible to identify the underlying cause of tailbone pain, it is most effective to treat that issue directly. For example, spinal stimulators and an epidural can relieve pain from sciatica and disc degeneration. These treatments work by blocking pain signals so they cannot reach the brain. In some cases, minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery is needed to treat back issues that can contribute to tailbone pain.
Coccydynia can be temporarily relieved with a local cortisone injection.